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1. What authorization is required to place structures or plantings in an established county right-of way?

On June 12, 2007, Georgetown County Council adopted Ordinance Number 2007-35, which states: Any person desiring to erect, construct or maintain an encroachment upon county property must first obtain an encroachment permit. An encroachment permit may be obtained by filing a completed copy of the Encroachment Permit Form (PDF), accompanied by a $100 non-refundable application fee.

2. How can I get a private road improved?

There are two ways that private roads can be improved with public funds in Georgetown County:

• Hardship Petition: Procedures are in place to allow one-time repair of a private road based on a hardship condition. Improvements are limited to adding dirt and grading, and require a petition signed by all residents on the road where the improvements are proposed. The policy and procedures file (PDF) provide details and explain how to request this service.
• Two-Mile Program: In April 2012, Georgetown County updated procedures so that annually the county will take over maintenance for and improve a maximum of two miles of roads that are currently private. Roads will not be paved under this program, but once a road has been accepted into the county’s maintenance system, a separate petition may then be submitted for paving under the C-Fund Paving Program.

3. How can I get my road paved? Is there a process?

Yes. You must request and complete a petition. Begin by calling Public Works at 843-545-3438. Public Works evaluates the petitions, then scores each petition once per year starting on April 1. Public Works scores the petitions based on criteria (PDF) developed by the County Transportation Committee (CTC). According to criteria score, a CTC priority listing then serves as the implementation plan for road improvements based on the availability of funds. For more information on the C-Fund program view the C-Fund program page.

Selected Roads

Once the CTC has selected roads to fund, the remaining roads on the priority list go to County Council for consideration. County Council, under Ordinance 2008-81 (PDF), annually collects road users fees, which are used to improve transportation within the county. These improvements include rocking and paving, as well as drainage, parking facilities and any other related needs required for general public access to publicly-owned facilities. County Council, based on the available funds for the current Fiscal Year, will select additional roads to improve under the Road User Fee Program (PDF). 

4. Is there a schedule for roadway right-of-way maintenance?

Yes. The county maintains roads using a regular schedule that rotates on a monthly basis.

5. Who should I call concerning problems with drainage and flooding?

The Public Works Division inspects and evaluates drainage and flooding problems, then makes recommendations. Call Public Works at 843-545-3438.

6. When does the division mow the grass along the county roadway in front of my home?

The Public Works Division has a rotating schedule for county roadway right-of-way maintenance. Roads are maintained on a rotating monthly schedule and grass cutting varies with the changing growing seasons.

7. What actions has the county taken to relieve stormwater problems?

Georgetown County has a diligent drainage maintenance program. Staff continually monitors and maintains miles of drainage ways and ditches throughout the county. Tremendous effort is made to stay ahead of potential problems. The county responds quickly to reported issues and has implemented an online service request program, At Your Request.

In addition, a county Stormwater Division exists to monitor new construction, manage the stormwater utility and implement capital improvements that will help alleviate drainage problems throughout the county.

8. What is the purpose of the Georgetown County Roadway Design and Construction Manual?

It contains rules and minimum requirements (PDF) for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of all road systems within Georgetown County.